This beautiful park was declared Utah's first national monument on July 31st, 1909. This declaration was due in part to the painting "Zion Canyon" by Frederick S. Dellenbaugh published in the widely popular Scribner's Magazine. The park was originally named the Mukuntuweap National Monument until in 1917 they renamed it to the more popular name Zion National Park.
Since then not only has it's popularity grew, but it's size as well. Today it covers 232 square miles of beautiful southern Utah land. It is known for it's high plateaus as well vibrant sandstone canyons. Despite it's desert climate about 1,00 species of plants call it home. When it comes to animals 78 species of mammal, 30 species of reptiles, 7 species amphibians, 8 species of fish, and 291 species of birds call this park home. Though the wildlife can be fascinating the park has a no-disturbance policy. Guests are forbidden to feeding any animals and are also encouraged to keep a minimum of 25 foot distance especially if the animal is approaching you. If an animal seems hurt or injured guests should report to park personnel instead of approaching or trying to help the animal.
Fun activities guests enjoy at the park include backpacking, bicycling, camping, canyoneering, climbing, hiking, horseback riding, river trips, stargazing, and educational Ranger-Led activities. For those wanting to scale the canyon they might want to consider getting a permit. Permits are not required for day climbs, but are required for overnight bivouacs. Climbers are not allowed drill place bolts and it is illegal to camp at the base of the wall. If using chalk guests are encouraged to add reg pigment to maintain the beauty of the canyons. Pulling vegetation from cracks is also forbidden. All guests are encouraged to use established trails so further erosion does not occur outside those trails.
